odorekijin

[Sky]

As Murr had warned, the weapon was revived soon after.

Like a boiling kettle, the muzzle and the fuselage shifted to a hot red.

The ice that had trapped the weapon was rapidly melting away, akin to ice cream in the middle of summer.

Rutile: We can’t let that happen! At this rate, the water…!

The ice, now returned to its liquid state, poured down like waterfalls, soaking both Shylock and the beach.

Despite the cracks in the fuselage gradually widening, the mana stone was still deep inside the weapon.

Shylock: …

It wasn’t long before all the ice melted away. The unleashed mechanisms whirred in what sounded like a loud roar.

Chloe: Shylock!

Mitile: Mister Shylock, please, get away!

Shylock showed no sign of retreat.

Facing the sizzling muzzle, he reached out as if to grasp it, and, intensifying his magic, he cast his spell once more.

Shylock: 《 Inviebelle 》 !

Instantly, the bright light swelled and burst like fireworks.

I felt a faint, high-pitched scream, followed by Shylock's voice, speaking to someone else.

It was as soothing and soft as the ripples of dusk.

Shylock: ...Well now, shall we return you to where you belong?

[Beach]

When the light faded, all we saw was the weapon falling to the ground.

With a few parts scattered about, the engine seemed to have run out of power and crumpled to the flooded beach.

Akira: Shylock…!

We rushed to Shylock's side as he slowly landed.

Chloe: Are you alright? Are you burned somewhere?

Murr: Did it hurt? Were you scared? Tell me how it felt!

Shylock was soaking wet, seawater dripping from the tips of his hair, likely due to being so close to the melting ice.

Shylock: Everyone, I have to sincerely thank you for your cooperation. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Rustica: Did you meet your dear friend?

Shylock smiled and opened his palm.

There rested a shiny piece of stone, much like the shades of the ocean.

Shylock: ...It has gotten quite small.

He then looked to the remains of the weapon, lying against the sand.

The melted ice was akin to a spill of tears, now drenching the entire area.

Shylock must have led his lost, teary friend back to his home—and that’s what I will believe in.

—

[West, Town of Nectar]

Afterwards, we worked with the remaining wizards in the area to put out fires, fix buildings, and repair the city.

The developer, culprit of this issue, was handed over to the Magical Science Militia.

The misunderstanding was finally cleared up, and the cause of the suspicious fires was filled as a weapon gone haywire.

On the other hand, the issued city ban on wizards was dropped, and the expelled humans progressively returned to town.

Citizen: You know, I heard that the serial arsonist wasn’t a wizard in the end.

Citizen: Really? I thought it was them....

The Western wizards looked on with great emotion as the city gradually recovered.

Rustica: The smiles have returned to the streets.

Chloe: Yes, although the suspected wizards won't be as enthusiastic...

Shylock: Indeed, but they also accused the humans of conspiring against them.

Murr: That’s just how it is! Humans and wizards are the same. It's when we're insecure and anxious that we seek out the right enemy to fit the role.

Shylock: That's the way this city is, isn’t it? They have to come to terms with one another, day after day.

Like putting out the ember before it turns into a wildfire.

——
[Bar Bennett]

A few days later, the commotion had died down. Finally, we were able to open Shylock's bar.

Not only us, but all the wizards in the city who had been looking forward to the opening, had gathered, lending the place a lively atmosphere.

Figaro: Are your glasses ready, everyone?

Akira: Yes!

Chloe & Murr: We are!

Shylock: Here’s to solving this case.

Southern Wizards: Cheers!

Wizards: Cheers!

The echo of our loud voices and the clinking of glasses rang together.

Here and there, regulars were happy to meet again, while others who had cooperated during the incident were congratulating each other; everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

This day felt special, and lamps brought by the wizards illuminated the mature bar a little more glamorously than usual.

Figaro: Whew~ There’s nothing quite like a drink after a hard day of work.

Lennox: Mitile and Rutile have agreed to let you have a few more drinks today to celebrate.

Figaro: Really? Well, that was worth putting in the effort. I think I’ll take the entire bottle then.

Lennox: That doesn’t mean you can drink as much as you want.

Figaro: Come on now, we’re supposed to be celebrating, Leno, so let's be naughty and have a drink. I'm going to get you drunk.

Lennox: I’ll accept your challenge.

Witch: My, what a cute guest we have here. Where could you be from?

Shall I offer you a drink to mark our acquaintance?

Mitile: Eh? Um…

Rustica: Good day, lovely ladies. You see, this young man prefers music over drinks, so I will be playing a song for him.

Witch: That’s just wonderful.

Witch: Let us hear it!

Chloe: I’m glad our dear Shylock’s beloved city is safe! I’m so, so happy!

Let’s dance and celebrate together, Mitile!

Mitile: Th-Thank you. I’m not really used to this kind of place...

Chloe: Don’t worry, I understand how you feel. Since it’s a sort of hideaway for the adults, it’s pretty intimidating. But it's just as much fun, isn't it?

Mitile: Yes...! I feel giddy and excited, like we're part of the grown-ups.

Chloe: That feeling is the best!